2. amps-preamps
  3. 123543-78240

What receiver should I buy?

I need some help my fellow audio fans. I need to replace my beloved Harmon Kardon AVR 7300. I just want something that has HDMI. I want to spend under $2000.00. It doesn't have to be new technology. I just want to be able to continue enjoying my 5.1 Klipsch set-up at high volumes. Does anyone have any suggestions? My 7300 is old tech but a high current monster. I need something close.   Speakerwise I run Klipsch, RF 82s, an RC64, RS52's and an RW12D.  I just use it for watching movies and the occasional rock concert video (AC/DC) and the like.  I'm not an audiophile.  My hearing sucks but I do need good clean power.  The Integra DTR 70.4 has the weight and the stats  but the reviews say it's under powered.  I'm willing to buy refurbished models and "new in the box" stuff that several years old.  What should I get and where can I get it.  
128x128kevin774
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Using a cheap AVR has been discussed quite a lot. A quality amp will only reproduce the low quality signal from the cheap AVR, not improve it. A quality amp needs a quality front end to perform to its maximum potential. I second elevick's recommendation for the Outlaw Audio 975. No bells and whistles, but high quality sound.

http://www.soundandvision.com/content/outlaw-model-975-surround-processor

http://hometheaterreview.com/outlaw-audio-model-975-71-av-surround-sound-processor-reviewed/


paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Sorry gents but I disagree.  A pre-pro is far more expensive than an AVR having the latest features and both will go obsolete in a few years anyway.  So why waste the money on a pre-pro when an AVR will offer the same performance from its processing section.  It's the power amp sections that are the most severely compromised on AVR's - not the codecs or DSP.   AVR's are nothing but features.  You can get the latest and greatest of these in an AVR that will sound just as good as pre-pro for less money too.

Put the money in a good power amp.  That will never go obsolete!

But to each his own I suppose.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

The problem with cheap AVR's is that after the processing, the first stage of amplification for the analog signal takes place in its preamp section, also using a cheap VC circuit, then to the preouts. That's what creates the poor quality signal, not the processing.


jl35
3,982 posts
 
I would do an older pre/pro and separate amp
everest_audio
285 posts
 
I completely agree with tls49. In fact, I believe the weakest part of a cheaper AVR is the preamp section, not the power amp section. We're not talking about the processing at all. An external power amp attached to an inferior AVR will give you more power, but still poor sound.

The Integra mentioned should have absolutely no problem whatsoever driving the Klipsch to crazy high levels with ease. The Klipsch are not a difficult load and their sensitivity is very high. However, a older prepro and power amp can give you flexibility for the down the road where you can replace the prepro and keep the power amp.
More to discover